In the time-honored tradition of Perl poetry contests, we're introducing the first-of-its-kind (that we know of, anyway) ActionScript Poetry Contest.

The rules are simple: Translate your favorite poem (any poem, but remember: "Nantucket" is not an accepted ActionScript keyword), and post it here in the comments section of this article before March 21 (which is UNESCO's official World Poetry Day (Who knew?)). Once the deadline has passed, the judging wil begin.

Judging will be based on several factors, including public reaction to the poem (as noted in comments here), its poetic appeal, creativity and the ungodly whims of our nameles, faceless panel of judges. Extra credit will no doubt be given if the "poem" actually does something in ActionScript.

Keep in mind, this is not a call for Flash interpretations of literary works (See Vidlit.com for that sort of thing), but a real, honest-to-goodness, geek-fest in which the code itself becomes the poetry. (See the ActionScript Jabberwocky for an example of what we're looking for.)

As for prizes: What would a geek contest be without the almost-obligatory grand-prize of a free iPod up for grabs? Well, it would be a Turdhead contest. How about a free T-shirt?

Let the games begin:

NOTE:The submission window is closed now. Judging shall now commence.